Philadelphia Phillies storyline: Trading Hamels?

Cole Hamels is a touchy subject for most Philadelphia Phillies fans. Keep and re-sign him or barter for tomorrow? Which camp are you in?

TAL’S HANDY CAPS

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The rumor mill is cranked up to include many possible landing spots for the young ace. This is accomplished by writers who base their commentary on the slightest hint of a possibility. One report said that the O’s, Blue Jays and Dodgers had scouted him, while 10 other organizations should have interest. The Tigers, Red Sox, Halos and Rangers have also been mentioned. That said, the Yankees aren’t among them, because they are lowering their bloated payroll to get under the threshold of the competitive-balance tax for 2014. Los Angeles (AL), Boston and Detroit will probably also have issues with keeping him past this summer.

One example would be the Tigers who spent big bucks on Prince Fielder only to find themselves under .500 by 2 games. They will either pony up an exorbitant price in prospects for a two-month rental at $5M, or that plus $175M over 7 campaigns. Don’t expect a quick decision on their part. Likewise, the situation on the west coast features Albert Pujols. The point is that the Bronx Bombers and Sox cannot keep Hamels beyond this tour, while the Motor City crew or the Angels don’t want to exceed the limit again. Do you roll the dice on 50 battles and the postseason maze after parting with 3-5 blue-chippers?

This is the awkward time of the dance where the GM has to evaluate many aspects, like re-signing chances, the return in young talent, the effect it will have on the club, and the fan-base reaction. Doc Halladay would not be happy to watch Cole depart, while the paying customers would be angry and feel betrayed. However, the red pinstripes prefer to keep their homegrown stars. But Hamels isn’t just that. He is 1 of the core four with Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins, which elevates his value here. What could Rube Amaro have talked to him about on Tuesday other than the contract? Rube desired the assurance that King Cole wanted to re-up for a fair deal.

King Cole Delivers In The 7th On June 30 In Miami

PRECAP PITCH

Cole Hamels:

This is his final performance before going to the All-Star events. Against the Mets in both parks, his mark has been: 2-0, 3.60 ERA, 15 total, 13 hits, 6 all-earned runs, 2 walks and 16 punch outs.

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R.A.Dickey Loads Up On June 29 In LA Against The Dodgers

R.A. Dickey:

He is either having a career year or he has reached a new plateau. He has worked at least 7 complete in 10 of 16 attempts with 2 clunkers. At the Bank in April, his line was: 7 full, 9 hits, 1 run (earned), 1 BB and 7 K’s on 103 flutter balls. Also, he is 6-0 with a 1.85 ERA at home.